As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, we deliver the best cancer care available today and push to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in the broadest possible range of clinical trials, with access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.

A Specialized Approach to Care

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of gastrointestinal cancer that starts in any part of the stomach. Cancer located at the junction of the esophagus and stomach is called esophagogastric (EG) junction cancer or gastroesophageal (GE) junction cancer.

To diagnose the cancer, we perform a physical exam and ask patients about their health, lifestyle (such as smoking and drinking habits), and family medical history. Early tests to diagnose stomach cancer might include X-rays and stool testing for traces of blood.

In addition, we might use one or more of the following tests to diagnose stomach cancer and determine if it has spread:

Treatments for Stomach Cancer

The main treatments for stomach cancer are:

Surgery

Chemotherapy

Targeted therapy

Radiation therapy

If a patient’s cancer requires all of these treatments, the standard approach is often to give chemotherapy or radiation before surgery. For patients with very early-stage cancers, surgery alone can be a sufficient treatment to control the tumor.

UT Southwestern’s surgeons are experienced in all the surgical options for treating stomach/EG junction cancer, such as minimally invasive gastrectomy and removal of the necessary lymph nodes.

Support Services

To treat the whole patient, not just the cancer, we offer other resources patients might need during their cancer journey, such as nutrition counseling, support groups, physical therapy and rehabilitation, lifestyle education, genetic counseling, and much more.

Clinical Trials

UT Southwestern offers clinical trials that can provide patients with an opportunity to complement traditional therapy for stomach/EG junction cancer with the newest, most promising treatment strategies. Patients should speak with their doctors about these opportunities.